Baler



L. J. SISLEY Feb. 6, 1962 BALER 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 28, 1959 mam? Emma? INVENTOR. LESLIE J. SIsLEY QIfmn/ l- HTTORNEYJ L. J. SISLEY Feb. 6, 1962 BALER 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed July 28, 1959 Y W 0 m. 2 N5 +0 r J Mm L. J. SISLEY 3,019,576

BALER 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Feb. 6, 1962 Filed July 28, 1959 m & J W M p LEsL/E J. 5/315) Feb. 6, 1962 L. J. SISLE Y 3,019,576

BALER Filed July 28, 1959 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 H TTUR NE Y5 L. J. SISLEY BALER 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed July 28, 1959 q NWIw Li L H p m m x v V \E v L %%@@WW@@@@@W@@@@@@ A hdlhi'ih Patented Feb. a, teen Filed July 28, 1959, Ser. No. 830,l337 2 Claims. (Cl. 53-61) This invention relates to machines which in the industry to which they pertain are designated as balers. More specifically stated, the present invention relates to a baler whereby packages of like size may be assembled and stulfed into an envelope or bag in a predetermined, orderly and close fitting manner to facilitate the handling, transporting, protecting and storing of the packages.

To impart a better understanding of the present invention, it will be here explained that whilethe present machine is intended primarily for the ha-ling of packages which are enveloped and sealedin paper, cellophane, or plastic bags, such as those in which hulled peas, beans, corn, meal, flour and the like, they may also be used quite satisfactorily for baling canned goods, and square cornered cardboard packages. Therefore, in the present instance, baling is not to be restricted to any specific packages but will generally be concerned with packages or bags of one pound, two pound or five pound size.

The present invention resulted from the fact that it has been found advantageous and quite practical for the handling, storing and safer shipping of relatively small packages, to bale them in relatively large paper bags instead of packing them for shipment in the well known corrugated paper carton or wooden box, and it is for expeditiously effecting this baling operation that the present machine has been designed.

In order to avoid possible confusion in terminology in the following description, the large paper envelope or container in which the relatively small parcels are baled will herein be designated as a bag while each of the parcels that are baled will be designated as a package.

It is the principal object of the present invention to provide a machine for the purpose above given and of the character stated, that is relatively simple in its construction and mode of operation; that occupies a minimum of floor space; that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and to operate and which will operate to expeditiously assemble and stuff the packages in a compact and orderly manner in a relatively large paper bag.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine that will receive the designated packages in succession from a feed belt and will convey and assemble them in groups of two or more, and then, as each group is formed, will operate to advance it into the bag to form a layer, and after a certain number of such groups have been assembled and moved into the bag, will operate to compact the assembly and, with the final step of the cornpacting operation, will release the bag holding clamp and discharge the filled bag from the machine. a

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a package baling machine of the above character wherein the incoming packages are received on a conveyor belt that is reversible in direction and is operable to move the packages along. one path of travel if grouping is desired, and along another path if grouping is not desired.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a baling machine of the character stated, and embodying the features above mentioned, that operates automatically to carry out the required operations in proper sequence and with speed and accuracy.

Further objects and advantages reside in the details of construction and combination of parts employed and in the mode of operation of the machine, as will hereinafter be fully described.

In accomplishing the above mentioned objects, I have provided the improved details of construction, the preferred forms of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein- FIG. 1 is a top or plan view of a machine embodying the improvements of the present invention therein.

FIG. 1a is an enlarged cross-sectional detail taken on line lrz-ia in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the machine of FIG. 1 as seen from what will herein be referred to as the package receiving side.

FIG. 3 is a vertical section, taken longitudinally through the machine on line 33 in FIG. I particularly showing the bag stuffing ram and cylinder.

' FIG. 4 is a similar vertical section, taken transversely of the machine on the line '4-4 in FIG. 1, showing the package grouping ram or plunger and its actuating cylinder.

PEG. 5 is an enlarged plan view showing the principal parts whereby incoming packages may be grouped preparatory to their being moved as a group into a bag.

REG. 6 is a similar view, showing a group of packages as assembled and positioned for advancement into the bag by the action of the stuffing ram.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged plan view illustrating several groups of packages after being advanced into a bag that is clamped in open position on the receiving nozzle.

FIG. 8 is a vertical section of the bag clamping means as seen on line 8-8 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a part of the package conveying belt.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a section of the conveyor belt, shown partly as a section taken on line l0ltl in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal section view of the stuffing cylinder, particularly illustrating the solenoid valve control.

P16. 12 is an enlarged sectional detail on line 12-42 in FIG. 3.

H6. 13 is a wiring diagram of the electrically operated equipment of the machine.

Briefly described, the present machine comprises a clamping means for holding a large paper bag horizontally in open position; a conveyor belt onto which packages to be baled are delivered in succession by a feed belt; a grouping cylinder that reciprocally actuates a ram whereby the incoming packages, as advanced by the conveyor belt, are grouped and a stuffing cylinder and ram that operates to move the groups of packages, as formed, into the bag, and finally releases the bag clamp and pushes the filled bag from the machine.

Referring more in detail to the drawings: The present machine as shown best in FIGS. 1 and 2, comprises a base frame structure of hollow, box form, designated in its entirety by reference numeral 10, equipped with a flat, horizontal top plate ii that is formed with a continuous and circuitous slot 12 in which a continuous conveyor belt 13 is mounted for guided travel; this belt being made up of a succession of short, identical and pivotally joined links presently to be described in detail. The conveyor belt 13 follows a substantially triangular course.

The conveyor belt, 13, as contained in the guiding slot 12, comprises a straight run, 13a, extending along the receiving side of the machine; a straight run 13!) that continues from the inner end of and at a right angle to the straight run 13a; a circularly curved run that continues from run 13b, and a straight run 13d, that continues from run 13c into the outer or receiving end of run 13a, thus to complete the belt circuit.

At the right hand end of the machine, as shown in MG. 1, a succession of horizontal rollers 15 are mounted in close parallel relationship and onto these the packages, 16 which are to be baled, are received from a feed belt 17 for their direct delivery in succession onto the conveyor belt 13 at the receiving end of its run 13a. As

the entering packages 16 move on to the conveyor belt 13, they are received between guide rods 18l8 that are supported in parallel relationship and somewhat above the top plate ll-by brackets 19 that are adjustably fixed to said top plate by bolts 20. The guide rods 1818 are co-extensive with the run 13a of the belt and operate to retain the packages 16 in upright position thereon as advanced to the discharge end of the run. All packages 16 are of the. samelsize and are usually in the form shown in plan in FIG. 1, and the guide rods 1818 are adjustable in spacingto accommodate them. When each entering. package, as conveyed by belt 13, reaches the inner end of the straight run 13a, it is slid by the belt, without changein direction, onto a thin, fiat plate 22 that is supported horizontally over and closely adjacent the conveyor belt along the straight run 13b thereof as best shown in FIG. 5. Upon its being slid onto this plate 22, the package is'momentarilystopped by reason of its contact with a switch-actuating'lever23; the position of the stopped package being shownin dash lines'at 16a in FIG. 5. Immediately thereafter the stopped package is pushed a definite interval'alon'g the plate 22 in a direction at arightangle to .the direction of incoming packages, by means of a plunger 25 that is actuated by the grouping cylinder26. This'cylinder is op'eratively mounted upon a forward extension 11x of the top plate 11, as shown in FIG. 1. l

The reciprocal action of the plunger 25 is such as to engage and advance the stopped package to a position on the plate 22 at which it is in the clear of the next package delivered by the conveyor beltonto plate 22. For example, the first package stopped will be advanced from the dash'line position 16a in 'FIG. to the dash line position 16b. The advancement of packages in face to face contact, on plate 22 as effected by successive operation of the plunger is as illustrated in FIG. 6. When a package group of a designated length'has been formed, for example, such as the three package group in FIG. 6, the advancement of the third "package by plunger 25 causes the row of packages toeengage and activate a switch lever 27. Thi'scauses thebag stutfi'ng plunger 28 to be energized to push the group laterally from the plate 22, through a nozzle 29.," later described, and into a bag 30 that is held in open position on the nozzle. Such advancement of these package groups has been illustrated in FIG. 7. The movements ofplunger 28 are eifected by the stuffing cylinder 31 which is mounted on plate 11 as shown in.- FIG. 3, and later'described.

The number of packages assembled in each group depends on the transverse thickness of the packages and the size of the bag which is to receive them. In the present drawings I have shown an assembly of three packages in each group. Each group forms a layer when advanced into the bag. However, .if the packages are larger, they may be assembled in groups of two. If smaller, they may be assembled in groups of four or more. It is also to be understood that when the packages are of such size that only one at a time can be moved into the bag, the direction of travel of the belt'13. is reversed so that the packages are delivered thereby onto the plate 22 from its opposite end. This mode ofroperation Will be later de scribed.

Before describing the construction and mode of operation of the grouping and stuffing cylinders, the nozzle and the bag holding clamp, the construction of. the con- "eyor belt 13 andits driving means will be described, reference being directed'to FIGS. 9 andlOf In these views it is shown that the conveyor belt 13 is made up of a continuous roller chain belt'13x- At the receiving end of the machine this belt operates about a sprocket wheel 32, mounted for rotation upon a supporting spindle 33 that is fixed to the under side 'ofzplate 11. At the juncture of the runs 13a and13b, the chain belt'operates about and is adapted to be driven by a sprocket wheel 34, which is fixed onthevertical:-drive shaft 35 ofa'reduction gear mechanism 35x that is driven by a reversible electric motor 36. The gear mechanism is fixed to the motor, and the motor, in turn, is fixed to the under side of plate 11, as seen best in FIG. 2.

The top member of each of the links of the conveyor chain, as shown best in FIGS. 9 and 10, comprises a flat plate'or pad 13p, formed with a narrow forwardly directed linking portion 13ythat -under'laps the-pad of the next forward link. Pivot pins 38 join the links, and these extend throughthe forward portions of the pads and the forward ends of the'parts 13y as shown in FIG. 10. The guide slot 12in the topplate '11 receives the chain, while the pads 13p extend to opposite sides'o-f the slot and slide onthe plate, as shown in FIG. lei, thus to support the conveyor, for guided travel.

Next referringto the plungers or rams '25 and 28 and their operating cylinders. The grouping'plunger25, as shown in FIG. 1, is inthefo rm of a hollow, box-like housing with a fiat, vertical forward end surface." Itsforward endportion is made narrow"'while the rearward portion is widened to enclose its actuating cylinder 26 lengthwise therein, asjshown in' FIGS. 1 and 4. The cylinder 26"is equippedat its outer end for its control with a solenoid valve which 'isdesignated in its entirety in these viewsby reference numeral 40. Reciprocally contained in the cylinder 2'6is a piston fl'fror'n which a rod 42 extends. At its/outer enjdthe rod is fixed, as at 43, to the end wallof the plunger housing. At the end opposite that from which the piston 'rodextends,'the cylinder is equippe'dwith a supporting stem '44 that is fixed in a vertical bracket '45. This bracket, in'turn, is fixed to the 'to'p'pla'te of the frame extension 11x.

The plunger'25 as appliedabout the cylinder 26 is supported and guided in'its reciprocal action by a horizontal rod'48 that is iigidly'fixed at one en-d in the' bracket 45, as observed in FIG. 4. This rod iscontained slidably in a bearing-49 that is fixed to the top wall of and within the plunger forming housing. When operating air is admitted to the outer endof the cylinder '26 by the controlling'action of the solenoid valve 40, the piston rod 42 is causedto be" extended. This'causes the plunger 25 to move from its -position' i'n FIG. 5 to that'of FIG. '6, and by this movement to advance the temporarilystopp'ed package from that positiondcsignated at 16a to that of 16b. Reversal of the valve causes the cylinder'to operate 'to return the plunger' to its'retracted position as in FIG. 5.

The circuit of solenoid valve 401s under control of two switches, '52 and 53. Switch 52 is mounted on a fixed member as seen in FIG. '5 and is actuated from open to closed position by the lever 23 when moved by the incoming packages 16 'as'theyare slid by'belt 13 onto plate 22. Switch'53, likewise, has a 'fixed mounting on plate 11, as seen in- FIG. '1, and'isactuated by contact therewith of a cam plate 26x that is fixed on a side of the. plunger 26 as the plunger reaches its fully extended position. Closing of switch 52* results in the extending ofwthe plunger 26 and the'closing'of switch 53 results in' its' retraction; both movements being accomplished under control of air cylinder 26.

Successive advancements 'ofpackag'es 16 'alongplate 22..as. effected by the action of plunger-25 causes a row of packages to be formed. The row finally is advanced against. the switch lever 27 that extends transversely across the plate 22; When this lever, which is of the vertical plate form shown in FIGS. 3 and 12, is moved against a stop plate 54x which is disposed back of it, it

operates simultaneously to close' a switch 54 that is mounted on plate54x. The closing of thisswitch results in the energizing of-air cylinder 31 to effect an extending movement of the plunger .28 for the advancement of the assembled row of packages into the nozzle 29 preparatory to being finally advanced therefrom into a bag which has been positioned on the-nozzle to receive them, as'in FIG. 7.

Before describing this bag stufiing operation, it will --be'-explained-' that the air cylinder 31, "as shown in FIGS.

1 and 3, is equipped at its outer end with a solenoid valve 55 whereby its reciprocal action is controlled. The cylinder contains a piston 56 from which a rod 57 extends. Rod 57 connects at its outer end with the end wall of the plunger housing, as at SS in FIG. 3. This plunger is of hollow, box-like construction and encloses the air cylinder 31 therein. The cylinder is supported at its opposite ends by brackets 59 and 60 that are fixed upon the table top plate 11. The plunger is supported and guided in its reciprocal travel by reason of its connection at one end with the piston rod and by a bearing block 62 fixed thereon for sliding on a horizontal supporting rod 63 that is fixed to and extends between the brackets 5? and 60.

When a row of assembled packages from plate 22 by an extending movement of the plunger 28, it is moved from the full line position shown in FIG. 6 to the dotted line position, thus moving all packages of the pushed row into the mouth or entrance to nozzle Zfi for later advancement into the bag 30 that has been applied to the nozzle. As shown best in FIGS. 3 through 7, the nozzle is substantially of square, tubular form in cross-section and comprises a fiat bottom plate 2% which may be integral with a continuation of plate 22 that overlies the belt as seen in FIG. 3. site sidewalls 29s-29s and a swinging top wall 29:. The passage through the nozzle is of the rectangular form as con best in FIG. 8. The nozzle 29 is supported rigidly in position immediately above a horizontal table member 65 which is at the same level as plate 11 and is fixed to the main frame structure 10. It is so supported that the open end of a bag 30 can he slipped thereover as has been illustrated in FIG. 7 with the closed end of the bag resting upon the table 65.

It is necessary for proper fillin or stufling of the bag, that it be secured. In the present instance, after the open end of the bag has been applied about the nozzle as in FIG. 7, it is there secured by a pair or clamp bars 70-71 that are disposed vertically at opposite sides'of the nozzle to coact with its sidewalls as has been shown best in FIG. 8. It is shown in FIG. 8 that the bar 71 is mounted on and is fixed at its upper and lower ends, respectively, to horizontally disposed rods 72 and 73 that extend transversely of the nozzle above and below it and are slidably contained in supporting bearings 75-75 fixed in a frame structure 76 that is rigidly attached to the main frame structure 10. The clamp bar 7% is slidable at its upper and lower ends on the rods 72 and 73. At their inner ends the rods 72 and 73 are connected by a vertical bar '78 so that endwise movements of the clamping rods 72 and 73 will be in unison. Disposed horizontally between the bars 70 and 78 is an air cylinder 86 containing a piston 81 from which a piston rod 82 extends. The cylinder is fixed to rod 78, as at 85 and rod 82 is fixed to clamp bar 70 as at 8'5. Admittance of air to the left hand end of the cylinder as shown in FIG. 8, causes the rod to be extended and the clamp bars to be forced against opposite sidewalls of the nozzle to coact therewith to grip and hold the open end portion of bag 30 on the nozzle while being stuffed with packages by the action of plunger 28. This connection also provides equalization of clamping pressures as applied by the bars. When air pressure is applied to the other nd of the cylinder, the clamp bars will be moved apart and the clamping effect released.

in the bag stufiing operation, as eiiected by the normal movement of the plunger 28, each successive row of packages, as advanced into the nozzle, pushes ahead of it the rows previously advanced. Thus, the rows of packages, as indicated in FIG. 7, move progressively into the bag as a unit. With the advancement by the plunger the final row of packages required to fill the secured bag, the plunger is caused to move an additional distance beyond its normal travel that first moves the assembly of bags tightly into the bag, then eiiects the release of the is pushed laterally The nozzle also has'oppoclamp and pushes the bag free of the nozzle. During the bag stuffing operation the bag rests on the table 65 as indicated in FIG. 2.

The relatively short normal movement of the plunger 28 for advancing a row of packages, as grouped on plate 22 by plunger 25, into the nozzle 29 is from its full line position in FIG. 5 to the advanced position indicated in dash lines. It is stopped when it has reached that distance by the contacting of a switch cam plate 91 that is fixed to a side thereof, with the actuating lever of a switch 92 that is located in the line of travel of the cam plate as seen in FIG. 1. The closing of switch 92 causes that adjustment of solenoid valve 55 that is required to return the plunger to retracted position. The full advance movement of the plunger 28 that is effected for the purpose of stuffing the bag and then moving it from the nozzle, is controlled by a switch 93 that is located in table 65, as seen in FIG. 3.: This switch has an actuating lever 93xextended slightly above'the, top of table 65 in a position to be depressed by the weight-of packages when they closely approach the outer end of the bag. With the depression of. the lever, the switch is closed. This cuts out the switch 92 and causes the plunger to continue its outward travel; As it moves outwardly, the cam plate 91 engages a switch 94 which operates to release the clamp to free the bag. Upon the plunger 28 being extended that additional distance required to push a package filled bag 39, from the nozzle, the cam plate 91 engages and actuates a switch 95 which reverses the valve 55 and causes the return of the plunger to its fully retracted position. When the plunger 28 returns to its fully retracted position, the cam plate 91 closes a switch 96 which is a part of the control circuit for the valve 40 which controls the movements of the plunger 26. This switch is used to insure that the plunger 25 cannot be actuated forwardly until the plunger 28 is fully retracted and is in the clear of packages that would be advanced by it.

Switches 92, 95, 96 and 99 are mounted on the table top in position for actuation by plate 91 as mounted on plunger 28 as shown in FIG. 1.

Compressed air is supplied to the machine through pipe line 97 and filters 97-97 and beyond these latter, pipe lines 4% and 55 lead to the solenoid valves 4%, 55 respectively, and a pipe line 98 leads to a solenoid valve 98 which is associated with and controls action of the air cylinder 80.

The control circuit for valve 98 is under control of push button switches 99 and 1%. Closing of switch 99 effects closing of the bag clamp and the other effects its manual release. It is the switch 94 that controls its automatic release.

In the wiring diagram shown in FIG. 13, parts representing the plungers, solenoid valves, control switches, nozzle and clamp have been given their previously designated reference numerals. The solenoid valves and switches employed are conventional. Current supply lines are designated at 101 and 192.

Assuming that the machine is so constructed, its operation for assemblying the packages and stufling them in an orderly manner in the paper bags is as follows:

First, the open end of a selected paper bag 3% is applied over the nozzle 29 and is clamped in position; this being efiected by pressing the circuit closing switch button 1% that effects that adjustment of valve 98 for the admittance of air under pressure to that end of the cylinder whereby the clamp bars 7 i) and 71 are moved into clamping position. The conveyor driving motor 36 is then set in motion to convey the packages 16, as received in succession from feed conveyor 17, along the guideway leading onto plate 22. As each package moves onto the plate 22 it actuates switch lever 23, causing it to close switch 52 thus to energize solenoid valve 46 and cause it to adjust its position to admit air under pressure to the outer end of air cylinder 26 and cause plunger 25 to move in- 2' wardly, thus to advance the stopped package alonglate 22. As the plunger 25'completes its advancing stroke, it engages and closes switch 53 thus causing the reversal of the solenoid valve and the retraction of the plunger to starting position. Thispackage advancing operation is repeated, with the delivery of each package 16, until the row of incoming packages, as grouped and advanced along the plate 22 is caused to engagethe plate 27 and move it to close switch 54 thus to energize the solenoid valve 55 and cause it to admit air to cylinder 31 and extend the plunger 28 and push the assembled row of packages into the mouth of nozzle 29. As the plunger 28 starts on this movement it opens switch 96 to deenergizes plunger 25. When it completes this operation it engages and closes switch 92 whereby the solenoid valve 55 is reversed and the plunger caused to retract. Also, as it moves into its retracted position, it closes switch 96. With therepeated advancement of rows or groups of packages into the bag, the bag finally is filled to near its outer end. Whenthe bagreaches a condition that requires only one more row to fill it, the weight-of packages causes the switch actuating lever 93x to be pressed down and the switch 92 to be cut out of the control circuit of solenoid valve 55, so that the next extending'action of the plunger 28 will be to its full extent. In this movement, the plunger stuffs the completing row of packages and those ahead of its-into the bag. In'the stufiingoperation the cam plate 91 actuates the-switch 94 to release the bag holding clamp. The bag, thus released, is then pushed free of the nozzle by the final movement of the plunger. When the plunger has reached the end of its travel, the camplate 91 closes the switch 95 and thus reverses the solenoid valve 55 and causes return of :the plunger 28to its retracted position. The return of the plunger to retracted position closes switch 96' and again readies the control circuit for action of plunger '25.

Inthe event that packages 16 are of such size that they can only be moved into a bag one at atirne instead of in rows or groups containing two'or more packages, then the travel of the belt'13 is reversed and incoming packages are caused to be conveyed therebyalong the runs 13d and 130, and to move onto plate 22 from the opposite end. In such instance, the switch control mechanism-shown at the top of FIG. 5, including plate 54x, switch 54 and lever 27, is removed and a switch and stop mechanism corresponding thereto in purpose andaction is placed at the opposite endof the plate-22r Then, as each package is pushed by the conveyor chain belt onto plate 22, it actuate-s the substituted switch lever to cause the operation of plunger 28 to push the package into the nozzle. Successive opera tions result in filling the bag, its stutiing and discharge in the same manner as previously explained.

What I claim as new is:

1. In a package bagging machine a tubular nozzle about which the open end of a bag may be applied for filling with packages advanced through the nozzle, and a releasable clamp associated with the nozzle for securing the bag thereon 'for filling; said clamp comprising paired, parallel rods mounted -for endwise movement above and below the nozzle, a vertical clamp bar joining said rods across one side of the nozzle, another clamp bar extended between the rods and slidable thereon at the other side of the nozzle, and a bar joiningthe ends of said rods at that side of the nozzle, and an expandable and contractable power means mounted between and connected to the two last mentioned bars to actuate the clamp for holding orreleasing the bag.

2. In a package bagging machine'a tubular nozzle of rectangular cross-section about which the open end of a-bag'may be applied forfilling with packages advanced through the nozzle, and a releasable clamp associated with the nozzle for securing the bag thereon for filling; said clamp comprising paired,'parallel rods mounted for endwise movement above and below the nozzle, a vertical clamp bar joining said rods across one side of the nozzle, another clamp bar extended between the rods and slidable'thereon at the other side of the nozzle,and a bar joining the-ends of said rods at that side of the nozzle, an air cylinder disposed'between the last two bars mentioned fixed to one and having its piston'rod fixed to the other, a source of air under pressure and a solenoid valve operable to effect application of operating air to the cylinder to causethe first two bars mentioned to coact with opposite sides of the nozzle to secure the bag thereon.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED- STATES PATENTS 2,613,021 Bowes 'Oct. 7, 1952 2,633,280 Davies Mar. 31, 1953 2,651,896 Woodruir Sept. 15, 1953 2,834,167 Loveridge May 13,1958 

